Obaba Museum

In Nigeria, two parallel worlds seemingly exist side by side – the world of informal transport, represented by the notorious “Agberos,” and the world of politics, characterized by its own complexities and dynamics. While seemingly unrelated at first glance, a closer examination reveals intriguing similarities in their modus operandi. In fact many Nigerians have been socialised into the necessity of an Agbero to political triumph. This piece of writing delves into the similarities of the informal transport and politics in Nigeria, shedding light on the shared elements that shape these two vital aspects of Nigerian society.

A major similarity is that both sectors in Nigeria thrive on a system of patronage and clientelism. In informal transport, Agberos gain power and influence by controlling access to passenger terminals and routes, leveraging this control to extract fees and bribes from transport operators. Similarly, in politics, political figures often build support networks by providing benefits to loyal followers, leading to a web of obligations and dependencies that perpetuate their power. This dynamics is often regarded as godfatherism or the cabal – while the godfather exacts sole authority often shared with loyalists bounded by shared interests, the cabal is a group of oligarchs who zone powers and slots in all sectors of the society and economy. The dynamics of these cabals is often beyond the realm of public eyes.
Another similarity is that both operate within a framework of informality and lack of regulation. In the transport sector, Agberos often function outside formal regulatory frameworks, bypassing licensing and safety standards. Similarly, politics in Nigeria has been marred by a lack of transparency and accountability, with many politicians evading scrutiny and operating with little oversight, leading to a perception of impunity which has continually questioned the potency of the Judiciary. As noticed in the 2023 election, Agberos play a vital role in electioneering. They are infamous for using violence and intimidation to maintain control over their territories both in the election and post election period. Nigerian politics has witnessed its fair share of thuggery and violence, with political rivals resorting to strong-arm tactics during elections or power struggles. This parallel underscores the unsettling overlap between the worlds of transport and politics in Nigeria.

One can not separate the influence of economic Motivations from both spheres of influence. Agberos engage in informal transport due to limited economic opportunities, and the lucrative nature of the transport sector serves as an attraction. Similarly, politics can be a pathway to wealth and influence, with politicians often pursuing personal gains through corrupt practices and embezzlement. The worlds of informal transport and politics intersect at the nexus of power and corruption. Agberos exploit their positions to gain economic advantages, while politicians exploit their positions of authority to amass wealth and influence. This intersection highlights the pervasive nature of corruption in Nigerian society and how it impacts various aspects of life.

The comparison between the modus operandi of informal transport and politics in Nigeria reveals a disconcerting overlap that speaks to larger systemic issues within the country. The presence of patronage, informality, violence, and corruption in both sectors underscores the need for comprehensive reforms to address these challenges. Addressing them would require a concerted effort by the Nigerian populace and civil societies. The question of the role of government depends on the individuals who occupy it and how they find their way top office. Ultimately, by recognizing and addressing the similarities between informal transport and politics one becomes more politically conscious.